Is your kitty sick or stressed (article)

[Kobster]

This is a nice summation of a new study of cats with chronic illnesses. Its an interesting read.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...er-stress.html

[calismum]

Interesting isn't it?

I think there are so many factors we really need to consider when we take on the responsibility of owning a cat (or any animal). Good that the element of stress is being researched and published - even if as a by product of a different type of research.

Thanks for that.

[angieh]

Thanks for that link Kobster. Very interesting and raises quite a few questions in my mind.

My old guy Merlin who had probably what is referred to as IC in that research was always better after some gentle exercise and play. He was over 23 years when he was pts. Routine but not boredom. Would suit me too!

[wilbar]

I'm so pleased to see that chronic stress in cats is the subject of veterinary research. Out of all the behaviour cases that I've seen, ALL of them relate back to the cat being chronically stressed for one reason or another.

The trouble is that cats living in conditions that cause chronic stress very often reduce their activities, become more sedentary, reduce their behavioural repertoire, sleep more etc etc. Very often owners don't even notice small behavioural changes, or put it down to the cat getting older, or maybe the cold weather. It's not until the cat is actually in such a bad state that it has toiletting problems, or is ruining the furniture, or is often vomiting or has diarrhoea, or has lost or gained a significant amount of weight, or it becomes aggressive towards the owner or other companion animals, that the owner actually realises that something is wrong! By this time the problem has been going on for so long and has escalated to such a degree, that it is very difficult to change the cat's perception of things or to change the cat's behaviour. And very often the cat is physically ill as well by this time .

Personally I think it is vital that vets understand feline behaviour. They're often the first port of call, long before a behaviourist's help is sought. And if a vet can recognise the signs of stress at the onset, then advice from a behaviourist can quickly sort things out & stop them progressing.

I hope that articles & research such as this reaches the cat-owning public quickly ~ thanks for posting the link.

[dandysmom]

Very interesting, thanks for linking that. Good to see the results of the study. Routine and consistency is so important to cats, as well as enrichment of the environment.

[Kobster]

Loved that it was published in the AVMA journal. These are things that vets need to be telling their clients. Also had an article published in this edition on canine aggression that debunked dominance theory and emphasized positive reinforcement! I'm quite pleased that things are finally turning around.

[Tink]

I found the classical music bit interesting. I didn't know they enjoyed that! I'm going to try that.

[dandysmom]

Originally Posted by Tink

I found the classical music bit interesting. I didn't know they enjoyed that! I'm going to try that.

It may be just coincidence, Tink, but my kitchen radio is on the classical station all day .... and I have never met a more laid back unstressed cat than Leia. And being a typical Taurus I like my routine, so that suits her very well too.

[Tink]

I have been playing it since I posted and maybe I am just reading too much into it but I think they like it. Some are sleeping. Others that are awake seem to be listening thoughtfully.

[angieh]

What are you playing Tink?